Shelf Maker

thingiverse

Shelf Maker can instantly generate a cutting plan for a shelf with precision adjustments. The size and shape of the shelf are fully customizable, along with the number of supports and the width of the material used. Designed to be compatible with an X-carve CNC router, using OpenSCAD's SVG export to feed Easel via inkscape, it was specifically crafted to build two triangular shelves that fit perfectly behind wall-mounted monitors at a desk. Instructions for Customization To optimize settings, edit the scad file carefully. Render 3d() until desired settings are found. Alternatively, you can render with both if preferred. Comment out 3d() and then render only real with just cut_plan() using F6 to adjust cutting precision. Export the result as an SVG, then open it in inkscape. Use the path -> Break Apart function in inkscape to remove implicit union() on all parts. This enables adjustment of the cutting style for each piece directly in Easel. Load the new SVG into Easel and scale everything to 1 meter. Selecting this allows for precise setting of the correct size due to additional squares added by the openscad code. Delete these two extra squares located at the 1-meter points precisely to achieve correct dimensions. Configure the part outlines in Easel to 'cut outside' and set holes to 'cut inside'. Due to limitations in Easel's select function, this process requires careful shift-clicking to deselect outlines. This setup is essential for fitting the box joint and support tabs together perfectly. To optimize material usage, rearrange supports strategically, possibly integrating them into arc cutouts when possible. Carve the shelf using precision control! Optional Configuration If you're interested in experimenting with an alternate approach, you can run Easel's Dogbone generator plugin. However, due to the need for considerable fiddling and potential misalignment issues (caused by adjustments in scale, object location, or cut style), it may be better to add dogboning directly to the openscad file. In case of inaccuracies without dogboning, you can either accept slight imperfections or address them after cutting with sanding or another method. Adjusting for a smaller bit will help reduce gaps and considering slightly larger material thickness might also help fit pieces together seamlessly.